Health Info

Hip Replacement

Definition

A
total hip replacement
is a surgery to replace a diseased or injured hip joint. An artificial ball-and-socket joint is inserted to make a new hip. It can be done by full open surgery or a minimally invasive technique. The minimally invasive technique only requires 1 or 2 tiny incisions and special instruments.

Eat a light meal the night before the surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor if you will need to adjust your medication.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia
will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery. It is given through an IV.

Description of the Procedure

Total Hip Replacement

An incision will be made along your joint. The muscles will be moved aside. The damaged bone and cartilage of the hip joint will be removed. The remaining bone will be prepared for the prosthesis. The new artificial joint will be placed in position. Depending on the type of prosthesis, bone cement may be used to hold one or both parts of the artificial hip firmly to your bone. Lastly, the incision will be closed with stitches or staples.

Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement

This surgery may be done with 1 or 2 small incisions, one over the groin and another over the buttock. Special tools are used that fit into these small incisions. In some cases, x-rays will be used to help guide the doctor.

For the one-incision surgery, an incision will be made over the outside of your hip. The muscles and tendons will be moved out of the way. Next, the damaged bone and cartilage of the hip joint will be removed. The remaining bone will be prepared for the prosthesis. The new artificial joint will then be placed in position. Depending on the type of prosthesis, bone cement may be used to hold the artificial hip in place. Lastly, the incision will be closed with staples or stitches.

How Long Will It Take?

Total hip replacement: 1-1½ hours

Minimally invasive total hip replacement: 1 or more hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

You will have pain after the surgery. Pain medication will be given to help with discomfort.

Average Hospital Stay

This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay is:

4-6 days for a total hip replacement

1-2 days for minimally invasive total hip replacement

Your doctor may choose to keep you longer, if complications occur. In some cases, you may need to stay in a rehabilitation unit. The focus will be on regaining function.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

While you are recovering at the hospital, you may need to:

Walk with help, using a
walker,
on the day after surgery.

Be cautious. A fall can damage or dislocate the new joint. Do not try to walk without help.

Take medication to prevent blood clots.

Wear compression boots or stockings.

Begin physical therapy to regain mobility and strength.

Breathe deeply and cough 10-20 times every hour—This will decrease the risk of fluid build-up in the lungs. The fluid can cause
pneumonia.

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Work with the physical therapist. You will learn how to move your hip and maintain proper alignment. You should also talk to your doctor and physical therapist about ways to prevent dislocations. Depending on your surgery, you may need to avoid crossing your legs, flexing your hips more than 90 degrees, and turning your feet very far inward or outward.

Avoid jogging and other high-impact sports. This can also increase wear on the joint, cause it to loosen, and cause pain.

Be sure to follow your doctor’s
instructions.

Antibiotics may be needed before certain dental procedures or surgeries now that you have an artificial joint. This will prevent possible infections from entering the bloodstream. Make sure to let the dentist or doctor know that you have an artificial joint.

Within 6 weeks, you should be able to resume normal, light activities. A replacement hip typically lasts 10-15 years.

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occur:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for patients after total joint replacement. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
http://orthodoc.aaos.org/davidgrimmmd/Antibiotic%20Prophylaxis%20for%20Patients%20after%20Total%20Joint%20Replacement.pdf. Published February 2009. Accessed March 10, 2015.

Questions and answers about hip replacement. National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, and Skin Diseases website.
Available at:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health%5FInfo/Hip%5FReplacement/default.asp. Updated July 2013. Accessed March 10, 2015.